District administration initiates assistance to affected villages, announces helpline numbers
From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, March 17: A total of 147 villages across Ri-Bhoi have been affected by the late-night storm that struck the district, damaging more than 1,000 houses and disrupting essential services, Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said on Tuesday.
Addressing media persons after a review meeting with Block Development Officers (BDOs), the DC informed that, as per the latest compiled reports, 1,028 houses have sustained varying degrees of damage.
While several houses were completely destroyed, others suffered partial damage.
The storm also impacted key infrastructure, albeit swift response measures have helped restore some services.
A minor landslide reported along the Umling-Patharkhmah road has already been cleared and traffic movement has resumed.
Power supply, however, remains significantly affected in several areas.
Baranwal noted that major disruptions were reported near Umiam and Byrnihat, particularly involving 132 KV transmission lines.
In Nongpoh, restoration of a 33 KV line is still pending. Authorities are working in close coordination with the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) to ensure early restoration of electricity.
On the relief front, the district administration has initiated immediate assistance to affected households.
Officials have been directed to visit as many impacted villages as possible to assess damages and reach out to victims.
Helpline numbers
Meanwhile, the DC also informed the public that in the event of any disaster or emergency situation such as flood, landslide, fire, storm, hailstorm or any other unforeseen incident, people are requested to immediately contact the district and block helpline numbers for prompt response and immediate assistance.
The general public has also been further requested to provide accurate information regarding the location and nature of the incident to enable quick response by the concerned authorities.
All residents have been urged to remain alert and cooperate with the administration during emergencies.
The following helpline numbers have been made available 24×7 for reporting disaster incidents and seeking emergency support—Deputy Commissioner’s Office Helpline No. 8131811911; District Emergency Operation Centre 6009906348/1077; Nongpoh Police Control Room 8730940080/9856084514; Umiam Police Control Room 8731933902/8837020174; Umroi Police Control Room 9612922695/9612187872; Emergency Helpline No. 112; ADC & CEO, DDMA, Nongpoh 8575093625; SDO, Patharkhmah Civil Subdivision 9830517633; Block Development Officer, Umling C&RD Block 9362548336; Block Development Officer, Umsning C&RD Block 8787794650; Block Development Officer, Jirang C&RD Block 9365465784; Block Development Officer, Bhoirymbong C&RD Block 7085123373; Block Development Officer, Mawhati C&RD Block 9436756888; and District Disaster Management Officer 9485005523.
